You want a sense of security. You want to protect your home and loved ones. And whether you're relaxing in your living room, working in your office or enjoying a vacation ... you want to have peace of mind. But you don't want to give in to crime or feel trapped in your own home.

Yes...burglary is big business in America. One burglary is committed every 10 seconds. That adds up to nearly 13 million homes - one of every 20 - with an average loss of $1,300 worth of property!

More and more Americans say they feel safer with a home security system. In fact, over the last 5 years, the number of homes with a security system has jumped by nearly 40%. Today, about 1 in 6 homeowners has invested in electronic protection.

It's a fact - many burglars are scared off by just the presence of a security system. Burglars attack homes without electronic security 3 times more often than homes with a system.

Maybe you're ready to invest in a home security system. But just what is a "good" system?

A good standard system covers the entire perimeter of your home. It alerts you and lets the intruder know he's been detected. It limits damage and summons help. And it's easy to use.

Basic elements of a standard system include: a control panel, keypads, backup battery, telephone line seizure, a digital dialer linked to a central monitoring station, a siren, inside motion detectors, and door and window contacts.

Once in the house, thieves do just what you do when you come home: They head for the bedroom. That's where most of us keep our valuables. A jewelry box on top of the dresser is practically a homing signal. But, they also know your "clever" hiding places: dresser drawers, the freezer, under the mattress, the cookie jar!

They're after cash and small, easy-to-carry things they can turn into cash - quickly. Jewelry. Silver. Cameras. But taking bulky items doesn't scare these crooks off either - TVs, VCRs, stereos get their attention too.

Contrary to popular belief, burglars don't often break in at night. Their favorite hours are 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. - when you're at work and your kids are at school.

Burglars spend less than 1 minute trying to break in, but take about 30 - 45 minutes to choose their target. Often they'll pick a familiar neighborhood or a secluded home close to a main street.

Burglars don't want to work hard to get in. Believe it or not - their favorite entrance is the door. The front door. Nearly half break-in through the first floor, 32% choose the back door and 22% of burglars enter through the first floor window. The rest break-in through a garage, basement or second floor window.

The best home security system will be customized to your lifestyle. It takes into account your schedule, your kids and pets, if you have any. And whether it's jewelry, baseball cards or a wine cellar, the things you value the most will be specifically protected. You should also consider including fire detection or medical emergency devices in your system.

The final step is for the installer to teach you and your family to properly use your system, including discussing false alarm prevention measure. Studies show user education is the best defense against false alarms.

Your security professional can advise you on other home security devices available, as well as best placement in your home. A good security system will use several types of detection devices. A properly designed system means that all windows and doors are wired for intrusion plus interior detection.

Siren
Alerts you and lets intruder know he's been detected.

Magnetic contacts
They form a circuit between a door and the door frame or a window and a sill. When the door or window is opened, it breaks the circuit and sounds the alarm.

Window Shock Senor
These devices attach to the windows and detect vibrations associated with breakage or tampering of the window.

Closed-circuit TV
A private television system that lets you monitor and/or record inside or outside.

Foil
Metallic ribbon, is attached to windows and doors. The foil breaks when entry is attempted, sounding the alarm. Foil is obsolete technology and has been supplanted by window shock senors.

Monitoring
A home security system should be connected to a 24-hour central monitoring station. Emergency signals from your home are electronically transmitted to the monitoring station, which immediately summons help from police, fire, or rescue.

Wireless Key FobThis device can fit on your keychain and allows you to remotely arm and disarm the system. They also have a panic feature. They work inside and far as 75 feet outside the house.

Glass Break Audio DetectorThese devices listen for the sound & frequency of breaking glass. One device can cover several windows.

Smoke Detectors
Provide the earliest possible warning of fire. They should be installed throughout your home.

Window screens
The security system is activated if the screen is cut or the screen is removed. Your existing window screens can be wired.

Wired system
Uses concealed or exposed wiring to connect the home security system's components. Its main advantage is low maintainence and low operating cost once installed.

Wireless system
Uses radio frequencies to connect system components. No unsightly wires, no damage to walls during installation, difficult for criminals to defeat. Must replace batteries every few years.

Radio BackupYour alarm system uses a standard telephone line to signal the central station. Criminals may cut the phone line to defeat the alarm system. Your security dealer can install a radio backup to maintain communications with the central station.

What can you expect to pay to protect your property and family? It's a question homeowners must ask themselves. Generally, there's a security system for every budget.

Costs vary, and it largely depends on which security features you choose, what you want to protect, and the region in which you live. Over the last 10 years prices for electronics have decreased and security features have increased. However, a professionally installed security system has labor installation costs which keep pace with the cost of living. You will get what you pay for! Keep in mind your personal security is not something you should want to trust to the lowest bidder.

When you're ready to buy your system, you can expect a one-time installation fee. If you choose to lease your system, an installation fee may or may not be included in a monthly service fee.

Your home security system can save you money. Typically, insurance companies offer between 2% and 30% discount on a homeowners' policy. Ask your insurance agent which types of systems will qualify you for the greatest savings.

See MBFAA online directory for a list of member companies in your area. Members agree to maintain a high level of conduct under a Code of Ethics and render services at the highest level of quality.

MBFAA member companies have demonstrated their commitment to the security of the general public and the security industry. They are licensed and qualified to meet your security needs.

Call several companies. Ask them if their employees are trained and/or certified.

Narrow the field to 3 or 4 companies. Ask for the name of the person who will call on you. Plan the appointment when all members of your household are present. When the security professional visits, ask to see company identification.

Ask for a consultation, demonstration and a quote in writing. Ask for references.

Donot shop for security based on price. Choose a system that provides the best protection for your family. Select a security dealer who you feel comfortable with and shares your concerns. Your life and property are too important!

Annual losses due to burglary in the United States: $2.85 billion --Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1994 Report

Homes without security systems are about 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems. And losses due to burglary average $400 less in residences with security systems than for residences without security systems. --Temple University study

Just so you know... we put this NEW site on line Jan 7, 2013 and it is STILL under construction.
Please e-mail us back with errors, suggestions, or updates you may have. And Thanking You In Advance! Alan.

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